Situation · Yourself

“I can't stop thinking about embarrassing things I did years ago”

What could be going on

Replays conversations for days: Replaying old moments over and over fits; check whether it's mostly things you said.

Shame: Cringe is shame: feeling exposed as a person; check whether the memory feels like it defines you.

Rumination and worry: Hard-to-stop looping thoughts fit; check whether the replays rise when you're low or tired.

Spotlight effect: You likely overestimate how much others noticed; check whether anyone else remembers it.

Harsh superego (inner critic): A punishing inner critic keeps serving old mistakes; check how harsh the commentary is.

Social anxiety: Fits if fear of judgement also shapes present situations; check whether you avoid events.

Which memory comes back most often, and what usually brings it up?
When the memory comes, how old do I feel, and what do I believe about myself then?